INTERVIEW - ZIMBABWE DEFIES IMF, SELLS $40 MILLION WORTH OF GOLD-BACKED DIGITAL TOKENS GUEST – JAN VERMUELEN, MY BROADBA

Loading player...
Zimbabwe sold $40 million worth of its gold-backed digital currency, the country’s central bank has revealed. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) plans to conduct a second sale despite the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning. RBZ first introduced the digital currency in April 2023 as the bank’s latest effort to rein in the country’s hyperinflation.

Zimbabweans can exchange their local dollars for the tokens to preserve their value and protect against exchange rate volatility, RBZ Governor John Mangudya said at the time. As local outlets report, the bank has sold 14 billion Zimbabwean dollars’ worth of the tokens (approximately $40 million). In a statement, the governor revealed that banks participating in the program received 135 applications for the purchase of the tokens, 132 in the local currency and three in U.S. dollars. The tokens are backed by 139.6 kilograms worth of gold held by the top bank.
22 May 2023 5PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

BofA Slashes SA Growth Forecast as Inflation Surges

Bank of America has cut South Africa’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.3%, warning that higher oil and fertilizer prices will keep inflation above 4% for most of the year. Economist Tatonga Rusike explains
23 Apr 3PM 11 min

Understanding SA’s First Wealth Score

Franc unveils South Africa’s first-ever Wealth Score, revealing that financial habits—not income—are the strongest predictor of financial health. We unpack why SA’s national score is 45/100 and the behavior gap between knowing and doing with Dr. Thomas Brennan, founder and CEO of Franc.
23 Apr 3PM 13 min

Clicks Lifts HEPS 8% Despite Warehouse Disruptions.

Clicks delivered firm interim results with diluted HEPS up 8.1%, even as warehouse system delays cost an estimated R175 million in lost sales. CEO Bertina Engelbrecht discusses pharmacy growth, trading margins, and festive‑season competition.
23 Apr 2PM 16 min